Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Concerned About Coronavirus Affecting Your Business? We Can Help.

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

If you are concerned about how coronavirus will affect your Milford business, call us to discuss how we can help.

With the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spreading through the Northeast and Governor Lamont declaring a Public Health Emergency over the Coronavirus, we have started to receive calls from business owners who seek to keep their business clean.

Here's how we can help.

SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford first cleans, then disinfects (with a hospital grade disinfectant) when cleaning a commercial space.  Cleaning removes the soil and dirt that harbors the infectious agents, while disinfecting kills the remaining environmental pathogens.

Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar type organisms to COVID-19.

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more.

The CDC encourages the cleaning of high touch surfaces. In a commercial setting, this list includes:

• Shelves and Racks
• Displays and Mannequins
• Packaged Inventory
• Fitting Room Stalls, Chairs and Walls
• Doorknobs, Light Switches and Lamps
• Carpets and Hard Flooring
• Computers, Telephones and Registers
• Bathrooms, Toilets and Changing Tables
• Sales Counters
• Elevator Cars. Handrails and Escalators
• Playground and Fitness Equipment
• Lockers and Water Fountains

The list could go on but you get the idea. When you think about it, almost every surface in a retail setting is touched by many people each day. For more information, see the website that the CDC has created, Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities, which addresses homes, childcare and K-12 schools, colleges and universities, work environments, healthcare settings, and large community events and mass gatherings.   

It's clear from the efforts of others countries that we can't stop the spread of the virus entirely however we can take what others have learned and apply it to the situation in Connecticut. Governor Lamont said he’s talked to other governors, including the governor of Washington State, and what they have told him is that the only thing they regret is that they didn’t do more sooner.

It is important to note that while proactive cleaning can help remove existing contamination, it will not prevent or protect the building from future contamination if an infected person was to enter and occupy the building. 

Call us at 203-301-0500 to discuss how we can help your business.

July is National Carpet Cleaning Month!

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

It’s July and that means it’s National Carpet Cleaning Month (NCCM)!!! 

What? You forgot all about this important event and haven’t put up your NCCM decorations yet or bought your carpet cleaning supplies yet? Well, no need to worry! We are here to help with some carpet cleaning tips to help your observation of NCCM go smoother! 

The first step in treating a carpet stain is to blot the spot working from the outside and going towards the center. Then rinse the spot thoroughly and blot again. Resist the urge to scrub the stain, as it could damage your carpet.  

If you have a water-soluble stain, such as alcoholic beverages, juice, berries, soda, food dyes, ice cream, jelly, wet or latex paint and excrement, use a cleaning solution made up of 1/4 teaspoon of nonbleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 ounces of water.  

There are some water-soluble stains, such as wine, blood, chocolate, coffee, tea and vomit, that are particularly difficult to treat.  In these cases, try using 1 tablespoon of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water (but not on wool or wool-blend carpet; instead use mild detergent and water).  

If you have fat, oil, or wax on your carpet, place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on warm setting. The wax, fat, or oil should come up off the carpet and stick to the paper towel.  
 
Cigarette burns can be removed by gently rubbing the pile with the edge of a hard and flat surface, such as a dull knife.  
 
Glue can be removed by moistening a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it on the affected area. Once the glue residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the carpet is clean.  
 
Wax and Gum can be removed by using ice to freeze the wax or gum, then shatter it with a blunt object, such as a spoon. Vacuum before the pieces soften, and blot the carpet with a white towel.  
 
Remove Nail Polish by blotting the area with a rag dipped in nail polish remover.  
 
Urine should be blotted with white towels to absorb as much as possible. Next, spray or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Finally, apply a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of clear, mild, nonbleach detergent mixed with 32 ounces of water, rinse, and blot dry. 

We hope you enjoy this month as much as we do. If you have a carpet stain that you just can't get out, give us a call for professional service.

When Vandals Strike: Cleaning Up Graffiti and Broken Windows in Milford, CT

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

You've put your heart into your business so when it is struck by an act of vandalism, you might feel a range of emotions from disappointment to fear to anger.

At SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford, we understand that when your building has broken windows or graffiti from vandals, you want to see the destruction cleaned up quickly. Our crew is known for it's ability to remove graffiti and glass quickly and professionally.   

Not only are broken windows a security issue, they also allow rain to enter the building and cause water and mold damage. After cleaning up the broken glass, our team will board up your windows to protect your property.

Graffiti removal can be a daunting task however our crew is up to the challenge and have successfully removed spray paint from concrete and brick walls.  In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, our team can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.  

We have also responded to calls from homeowner's who have experienced biohazardous vandalism (including feces). Our crew has the training and equipment to safely remove biohazardous materials and any contaminants that might be present.  

If your home or business is the victim of malicious vandalism, it can be a very upsetting experience. Call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford at (203) 301-0500 to come clean it up and make it "Like it never even happened."

Post Construction Cleaning Services Offered by SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

If construction from your home remodel has left a big mess, call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford for residential deep cleaning services.

Whether you are building a home from the ground up or renovating your kitchen, construction work can make a big mess. 

Between the dust and debris left by sheetrock, wood and other materials, you might find that your new home is not the sparkling vision that you had hoped for. With all of the work and expense that went into building your home, you deserve a professional deep cleaning before the dust settles. 

The cleaning crew at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford has the knowledge and tools to thoroughly clean your home from top to bottom after the contractors have left.

Beyond just cleaning the surfaces of your home, our technicians provide a detailed and deep cleaning that will really let your house shine. 

Our post-construction services include: 

• Removal of construction and drywall dust 
• Cleaning of glass windows 
• Cleaning in hard to reach places such as light fixtures, ceiling fans and rooms with high ceilings 
• Air purifiers to remove construction particles from the air if needed 
• Dusting and mopping of hardwoods, tile and linoleum floors 
• Deep carpet cleaning 
• Removal of dust, dirt, smudges and scuffs from walls 
• Removal of manufacturer’s stickers and clean windows (including the glass, tracks and frames) 
• Disposal of all trash 

We are a full service restoration company and are available to discuss any other services that are unique to your situation.

Please call us at (203)301-0500 to discuss your post construction cleaning and restoration needs.

Hoarding Conditions Inside of Homes Contributes to Water, Fire and Mold Damage

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Hoarding can cause a home to be at risk of fire, water and mold damage.

Hoarding is a mental health disorder in which a person has a difficult time discarding possessions. 

A home affected by hoarding can be a physical danger as well as a health risk.  Hoarding creates conditions inside of a home that makes it vulnerable to water, fire and mold damage. 

Hoarders often do not have clear access throughout their homes and windows and doors might be blocked by piles of items. This creates a fire hazard as there might not be a safe way to exit the home in case of fire. Emergency personnel may have difficulty responding to a health call because hoarding has made the home inaccessible.  

Items that are stored and not used become a breeding ground for dust and dirt, which causes poor air quality in a home. Vents are often blocked in the homes of hoarders, reducing air circulation. Puddles, water damage and leaks go unnoticed and are left untreated. Combined with an endless food source from the boxes, fabric and paper that often accompanies hoarding, mold easily grows unnoticed in these homes. 

Unstable piles of household goods can cause tripping, slipping and head injuries from falling objects. Flammable items can easily catch fire if they are too close to a heating source or stove. Clutter, garbage, animal or human feces can also cause respiratory and other health problems.  

There is no simple solution to hoarding. Often the hoarder does not acknowledge a problem and it is only when there is an emergency that the problem is addressed. We approach the restoration of homes with hoarding with sensitivity and an understanding that the removal of items may be difficult for the homeowner. Our crew uses their training and equipment to remove debris, including biohazardous substances. We are able to clean contents to ensure that items being returned to the home are not contaminated. We may need to remove carpets and walls if they contain water or mold damage. We leave the home sanitized and deodorized.  

If you or a loved one feel that the contents of your home have gotten out of control and you are concerned about safety, call SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford at (203) 301-0500 for a clean up consultation.

Spring is the Perfect Time for an Air Duct Cleaning in your Milford Home

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Over the winter, a collection of dust, debris, droppings and other pollutants can collect in your ducts, affecting the air quality of your home.

During the winter, we all do our best to keep the windows and doors sealed shut and air tight in order to keep the cold air out. While this is a great way to keep our houses warm and the energy bills down, it also eliminates any fresh air from entering our homes. This lack of circulation can cause pollutants to accumulate in the air duct system of the building. By the end of a long winter such as this one, the air quality in your home or office space can be dramatically reduced. 

Materials, including volatile organic compounds, mold, dust, animal hair, rodent droppings, dander and mildew can build up in your ducts over the winter.  If you have had a wood stove or fireplace burning all winter, it has probably generated a lot of dust throughout your home.  

Mold can also grow inside of duct work in the winter and the organic matter (dust, animal droppings, hair etc.) that has accumulated inside of your ducts provides a perfect food for mold.  If there is any moisture, whether because you have run a humidifier in your home or there is condensation in your ducts, mold can easily thrive. Whereas most New Haven County duct cleaning professionals are not trained in mold remediation, the SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford team is certified by the IICRC for mold damage restoration. When we come to your home to clean your ducts, we will also inspect for any mold that might be present.  

There is not one uniform recommendation for the frequency of air duct cleanings, as there are many factors that go into how dirty a duct might get. Homes with animals, fireplaces or inadequate ventilation may require a duct cleaning more often than others.  If someone in the home suffers from allergies or sinus problems, they can benefit from more regular air duct cleanings. 

Not only does having your ducts cleaned improve the air quality in your home or business, it also corrects the functionality of your duct system by removing any partial blockages.  The crew at SERVPRO of Milford-Orange-Stratford will professionally clean the debris, dust and any other particles that have gathered out of your air ducts to ensure that the quality of the air you are breathing is free from impurities.

If you live in the New Haven area and are concerned about how your air ducts might be affecting the quality of the air in your home, give us a call at 203-301-0500 to schedule a cleaning.  

What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

ULTRASONIC CLEANING

What is ultrasonic Cleaning?!

Chances are, if you’ve ever had your jewelry or watches professionally cleaned, it was done in an ultrasonic cleaner! Ultrasonic cleaning is an efficient, effective, and detailed method to clean and disinfect a multitude of different items from kitchenware to electronics. As the name implies, these machines use ultrasonic sound waves passed through an aqueous solution consisting of water, a softener, and a mild detergent. This process, known as “cavitation”, is a result of the high frequency sound waves creating pressure in the solution making millions of tiny bubbles that form and implode agitating the surface of the objects being cleaned. Items are submerged and typically remain from 5 minutes up to 20 minutes depending of level of soiling. They are then removed and properly dried.

Why use ultrasonic cleaning?

This method of cleaning helps to ensure that every surface of the item, including difficult to clean areas, inaccessible areas, cracks, crevices, and areas that typically can’t be done manually are thoroughly cleaned. It also achieves better, faster results while substantially cutting down labor and eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.

What can ultrasonic cleaning be use on?

Ultrasonic cleaning has been used in a wide array of different industries, and with good reason! Almost any item can be successfully and safely cleaned using these processes. These can range from dishware, glasses, and golf clubs to medical equipment, circuit boards, and chandeliers. Most contents usually only require a quick bath, however, some more complex items like television and microwaves require some form of disassembly to assure not only every surface is in contact with the solution, but that once removed they can be properly dried and inspected. Ultrasonic cleaning can be used to removed all forms of soot, dust, rust, bacteria, mold, biological contamination and more! The only items that ultrasonic machines are not helpful with are items that any water has the potential to ruin, such as particle board or wood furniture which can absorb too much water and take too long to dry damaging finishes and integrity. They also aren’t the best choice for laundry, that’s best left to the washer and dryer!

Where can I have my contents Ultrasonic Cleaned?

Here at SERVPRO OF MILFORD – ORANGE – STRATFORD we’re proud to have our very own extra large ultrasonic cleaner! We utilize this machine to restore contents from water, fire, and general cleaning jobs where contents have been brought to our in house storage facility! Our machine is located in our contents cleaning wing of our facility and has the capacity to handle jobs of any size! We also have our very own drying chamber to assist in properly removing moisture from any contents we clean! During our open house we held this October, we held live demonstrations of our Ultrasonic Cleaner in action. Anyone who requested to have their personal belongings, keys, jewelry, etc cleaned, walked away very happy and impressed with this machines capabilities! Our ultrasonic cleaner is just one more step in making it "Like it never even happened."